Achieving healthy hair takes a lot more than using a suitable shampoo. Just as you’d find countless shampoos on the market, you’d also spot their other half, the modest conditioner, which locks in ample moisture for a more manageable mane. But beware, picking the wrong formulation can weigh your hair down, making it frizzy, greasy, dry, or brittle.
That said, the right choice can do wonders for your mane. Contrary to popular belief, conditioner is crucial for all hair types – oily hair included. Although, different conditioner types may work better on different kinds of hair. Before we delve into identifying the right conditioner for your hair, let’s discuss the types of conditioners available in the market.
5 Types of Conditioners
- Volumising Conditioner
As the name suggests, volumizing conditioners help make fine, limp hair more dense and voluminous. They won’t weigh your hair down. Instead, they’ll give your mane an instant lift. Look for the ingredient maltodextrin on the label.
- Moisturising Conditioner
Moisturising or hydrating conditioners lend ample moisture to your hair, making them smooth and shiny. Ideal for thick and coarse hair types – look for vitamin B5, ceramides, and triglycerides on the product label.
- Strengthening Conditioner
Strengthening or fortifying conditioners are ideal for overly processed, damaged hair. They cater to brittle strands and split ends, often resulting from the overuse of heated tools and chemical treatments. Look for amino acids, proteins, collagen, and biotin on the label.
- Smoothing Conditioner
Smoothing conditioners contain agents that help seal the hair cuticle to provide a straightened effect to the strands. Look for cocoa butter, olive oil, and egg white on the ingredient list. You may also spot balancing conditioners on drugstore shelves. These variants don’t over-moisturize your hair but won’t dry them out, either.
- Curly Hair Conditioner
Master the curly girl method with a curly hair, Byconditioner specially formulated for this hair type. Ultra-moisturising to combat frizziness, trust argan oil to be at play here.
The Best Conditioner For Different Hair Types
- For Damaged, Breakage-Prone Hair
Strengthening conditioners that address brittle, overly-treated strands would work best for your hair type – proteins, amino acids, keratin, and biotin to the rescue. These reparative ingredients will deeply nourish and condition your hair, fortifying it from within. However, bear in mind that overusing protein formulations can cause more breakage.
- For Limp, Oily Hair
Steer clear of moisturizing, hydrating, or smoothing conditioners that can weigh your hair down further. Apply a leave-in conditioner on the ends of your hair, or pick one boasting dimethicone, glycerin, or shea butter. Balancing conditioners that don’t over-hydrate might be ideal for this hair type. While don’t buy into the myth that oily hair doesn’t require conditioner, ensure you don’t apply the product on your scalp and only towards the ends.
- For Dry, Dehydrated Hair
Turn to moisturizing conditioners that will restore moisture loss and replenish your hair. Ingredients such as vitamin B5 and ceramides work well to retain moisture. Avoid strengthening, volumising or fortifying conditioners. Consider a coconut oil treatment or a fortifying hair spa for intense damage repair.
- For Curls, Coils, and Wavy Hair
Curly hair warrants a curly hair conditioner. Buy conditioner that intensifies moisture and doesn’t strip your hair of its natural oils. An argan oil-infused formula is your best bet. Steer clear of smoothing conditioners, as they will have the opposite effect on your hair. You need a gentle formula that enhances your curl patterns.
The Golden Rules Of Using Conditioner
As a rule of thumb, take no more than two dollops of the product onto your palm for application. Otherwise, the formula might weigh your hair down. Detangle your hair after applying the product to free knots and clumps, and ensure you don’t use the conditioner on your roots but only along the tips of your hair. Applying it on the scalp can make your mane greasy. There’s no point in using conditioner if you rinse it off immediately. Let it sit on your hair for the time listed on the label – usually between one and five minutes. Lastly, condition your hair each time you shampoo it.
Conclusion
Conditioners are one of the most underrated formulations that must be a part of your hair care arsenal. However, picking the right one for your hair type takes careful consideration and deliberation. Well-nourished and conditioned hair promotes a balanced scalp, which is the building block of healthy hair. You could also try a reverse hair-washing method – where you condition your hair before shampooing – to maximize moisturization. Indulging in a leave-in treatment after using a shampoo and conditioner can also help intensify hydration and restore moisture. When scrounging for your perfect match, skim through the ingredient list to ensure you’re buying a product best suited to your hair type, concerns, and needs.
